Happy Holidays, dear reader, seeker of YUM! I’m so grateful to have this platform to share what moves me, inspires me and what works for me—with you. Wishing you the pleasure and delight of connection, rest and wisdom this season and beyond.

If it feels like more of a Holi-daze for you, fear not. The solution is inside you, always available…read on.

Based on the Positive Intelligence® operating system, the wise one inside you (the Sage) has five powers that can shift you out of the daze or funk or malaise created by your fear-based survival brain, the saboteurs.

Empathize
When you find yourself judging yourself, a family member or a stranger, try on some empathy. Imagine the person as a 5 year old or really look into their eyes—this person has hopes, dreams, fears, grief and pain, just like you. We’re all doing our best.

Explore
Get really curious about a person or situation that is troubling you. Collect all the facts with no judgment, like a fascinated scientist or a kid on the beach turning over stones and shells. Refrain from analysis or meaning making, just notice what is going on from every perspective.

Innovate
Generate solutions from a place of pure creativity. No “Yes, but” or “No” or feasibility assessment. Rapid fire solutions using “Yes, and…” with yourself or a trusted friend. See how far you can take the practice, just for fun.

Navigate
Your inner wise one knows that meaning and purpose are the path to freedom, joy and ease. When faced with a challenging person or situation, ask yourself, “At the end of my life, looking back, what would I wish I had done?” Another short cut is, “How important is it?”

Activate
Once you are clear and in a calm, Sage frame of mind, then you can respond with clear-headed, laser-focused action.

Use just one of these (empathy is always a great place to start) or try to apply all five, in order, to a situation or challenge. You’ll be growing your Sage powers and experiencing more ease.

Journal Prompts:
Anticipate a challenging situation that may arise over the holidays and picture yourself applying one of these powers. How do you feel?